Hi,
I’m planning on applying to Duke ED and they say they strongly recommend sending in 2 SAT subject tests if I’m doing the SAT. Will it hurt my application if I don’t submit any or just 1?
Thanks!
“Recommended” usually means that they expect students from more advantaged situations to have them, but will understand if those from disadvantaged situations may not have heard about them in time.
Since you know about the subject tests, why not take them at the end of this school year, associated with courses you are completing?
Submitting one when two are asked for signals to admission readers that you did poorly on another one that you are not revealing.
“Strongly recommend” means unless you can really show it would be impossible to take the tests - you should take the tests.
@Whynot1234567890 It is recommended; however, I was accepted RD without sending any subject tests though so it is a possibility. My friend who took the SAT was accepted without sending hers as well. However, I took the ACT test and recieved a strong writing score. If you are taking the SAT I would recommend it. If you are taking APs for courses that match up for them (History, Biology, Physics), many often find the SAT Subject Tests easier. In the end, though, it is all your decision.
If you take the ACT you do not have to submit any subject matter tests, FYI
I’ve posted the following numerous times on this site, but it bears repeating:
While Subject Tests are “recommended,” my belief is the reason many schools have switched to “recommended” is that some applicants from a lower socioeconomic status (SES) can’t afford more tests and/or the applicants attend a HS where no students apply to colleges where Subject Tests are requested, and therefore, may not have received the best advice from a GC.
If that does not apply to you, I am of the opinion that colleges at the top tier who request Subject Tests are expecting them from all other applicants. Although everyone will have a story about someone who was admitted without Subject Tests, my view in these cases is that there was probably more to the story (e.g. seriously hooked or lower SES).
Personally, I cannot imagine why an applicant to a school that rejects 95% of its applicants would choose to omit any part of an application. Of course, if you take them, and your scores are low, then yes, I would omit them. But I would not opt to forgo taking them in anticipation that they may be bad.
This question has also been asked before, so here are some other responses:
http://talk.qa.collegeconfidential.com/college-admissions/2027962-sat-subject-tests-are-not-truly-optional-for-middle-upper-middle-class-applicants-at-elite-colleges-p1.html
Good luck
To be clear, if you read the Duke admissions instructions, if you take the ACT instead of the SAT subject matter tests are not even recommended. So, if this is really a big issue, take the ACT. Then, you don’t have to worry about this issue.
@manyloyalties is correct. The ACT alone is sufficient, as per the Duke application instructions and a direct conversation with an admissions officer. My daughter was admitted last year without taking any SAT subject tests.